Gorgeous blue sky and white trees in backcountry today
Friday, December 18, 2009 at 08:30 PM
A bluebird day. Darn cold, but blue!
The trees on the ridges around Bolton Valley looked like they were frosting decorations on a cake. We went for an end-of-the-afternoon ski on the backcountry trails at Bolton. Blue sky, squeaky snow, and white trees; it was gorgeous.
There were a few more inches of snow since this past weekend, so waterbars were better covered and more frozen, as well, with the recent cold snap. I think we only had to step over one of them this time. The base is getting quite deep up there.
I could feel the work stress melt away as we climbed and climbed and climbed up to the Bryant Cabin and then up Birch Loop to the Birch Glades. Below the cabin, there was a bit of a crust under the most recent powder, while it was powder up in the Birch Glades.
It was fun to take our first turns in the glades this season. These glades are at the start of the Bolton end of the Bolton-Trapp backcountry trail.
On the way down, we took Gardner's Lane. We didn't dare last weekend, thinking the streams would still be open. But things were well-covered today.
Because it was cold, we just kept moving during our tour. It was great to be outside today.
As a special end-of-the-work-week treat, we headed over to the Alchemist brew-pub for early dinner. It's located in nearby Waterbury. Good food, good beer, and good entertainment on this evening. Some local kids and parents were going door-to-door singing holiday carols. They sang for everyone in the pub. Isn't that cool?
Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski
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1. Terry | Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 08:28 PM
Hey Skimaven - I get a huge kick out of your blog ... have you been to Camels Hump Skiers Association in Huntington lately? I think it's the best nordic in the East, with groomed trails and an extensive network of ungroomed and backcountry as well. I just did most of them and Lions Ridge, a b/c trail actually in Camels Hump State Park...you should try it. Website is www.camelshumpskiers.com.
See ya.
2. Skimaven | Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 08:30 PM
Hi Terry: Thanks for the note and the tip! We haven't been over there since two seasons ago when we skied the Honey Hollow trail. I definitely need to explore there!